Añorbe brings together sacred art, historic buildings and a hermitage route, with visits at Nekeas requiring advance arrangements. If you are looking for accommodation in Añorbe, first decide what you would like to shape your stay: Renaissance art, the landscape, or a visit to the winery and olive mill. These interests offer different ways to explore the town; visits to Nekeas in particular should be arranged in advance.
Church and art history
The Iglesia de la Asunción is a 16th-century Renaissance church. Its furnishings include a choir stall with fifteen seats and a lectern made by Pedro Moret in 1597. Another art-historical detail is the main altarpiece of the Asunción: it was sculpted by Juan de Anchieta, and its assembly was completed in 1577. The two dates refer to different elements: 1597 dates the lectern, while 1577 marks the completion of the altarpiece’s assembly.
Opposite the church, on Calle Mayor, stands an elegant 17th-century palace building known as “la casa del cantero”. The church and palace thus represent different historical points of reference: a Renaissance church with specifically identified works of art, and a palace with its own name. Those wishing to explore Añorbe especially through its architectural history will find a clear theme here.
San Martín and the landscape
The Ermita de San Martín dates from the 16th century and has been restored several times. In 1947, an image of the Sacred Heart was installed there, visible from a distance above Añorbe. This site therefore brings together a historic chapel and a religious symbol added later. The Sierra de Alaiz and Peña de Unzue can also be seen from various places in the surrounding area. These views broaden the perspective on Añorbe’s buildings to include the surrounding landscape.
Route through the hermitages
After the Ermita de San Juan, the Ruta de las Ermitas en Valdizarbe y Nekeas continues on to Añorbe. The route thus complements the view of individual buildings with a trail that includes Añorbe as a destination. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out if you plan to follow this route.
Visits at Nekeas
At Nekeas in Añorbe, visits to the winery and olive mill are available by prior arrangement. If requested, a member of the team can lead visitors on an informative route through the area around the winery; this too must be arranged in advance. Nekeas organizes tastings and meals for larger groups by prior request.
The arrangements therefore differ depending on the offering: visits and the informative route require advance arrangements; tastings and meals are for larger groups and must be requested. If any of these offerings are important to your stay, arrange them with Nekeas in advance.
Religious traditions
The pilgrimage to San Isidro in Añorbe is listed as intangible cultural heritage. The Navarre Archive also records the town in connection with a pilgrimage to the Ermita de San Esteban, the Corpus Christi procession and Holy Week processions. These religious traditions add further aspects of cultural heritage to the historic buildings. If you would like to combine your trip with one of these events, check the current dates separately.
Discover more destinations: Zizur Mayor, Erro, Urdax, Javier, Lekunberri, Roncal, Artajona, Ezcároz
For the broader travel overview: Navarra.
